Frequently asked questions about braces?

What are the different types of braces?

There are 5 main types of braces available today:

Metal braces: Metal braces are composed of high-quality stainless steel and have metal brackets that are cemented to each tooth. The brackets are connected by a thin archwire, which applies pressure to the teeth, causing them to slowly move into the proper position. The archwires are attached to the brackets by tiny elastics called ligatures or o-rings, which your orthodontist will replace every time the braces are tightened. Self-ligating braces are those with brackets that don't require o-rings.

Ceramic braces: Ceramic braces are braces made of clear, tooth colored material. They work in the same way as metal braces, but are more discreet and less visible. Patients who do not think Invisalign or lingual braces are suited for them but still want to straighten their teeth in a discreet and economical fashion prefer ceramic braces. These patients tend to be esthetically-driven adolescents and adults.

Self-Ligating braces: Self-ligating braces are very similar in appearance to traditional metal braces, but utilize clips rather than elastic bands to hold the wire of the brace in place. As a result, there is less friction on the braces and it is usually easier for the individual to keep the braces and teeth clean. This type of braces has similar efficacy to traditional metal braces and may increase control over the appliance, leading to more precise tooth alignment. However, they are often more expensive and are still visible from the outside.

Lingual braces: Lingual braces similar to traditional braces in that they are made out of metal, but they are attached to the inside of the teeth so that they cannot be easily seen from the outside. This type has the obvious advantage of not being visible to other people because they are hidden behind the teeth. However, they are less effective than traditional braces and often take longer to achieve desired tooth alignment. they may also be uncomfortable for the patient as they come into direct contact with the tongue. Finally, they tend to be more difficult to clean.

Invisalign: Invisalign is the most distinct type of braces because they do not involve brackets and wires but instead utilize a series of custom-made clear plastic aligners that are worn over the teeth. These aligners are easy to remove and replace with the next one in the series every two weeks throughout the treatment period. Most individuals require between 18 and 30 different aligners to achieve the desired result. This type of braces is preferable for many patients because they are almost invisible and allow greater freedom to eat and drink anything. However, they are considerably more expensive and can only be used to correct minor to moderate dental problems in teenagers and adults.

What to do when braces often cause pain, lips, cheeks and tongue feel uncomfortable?

Because the appliance comes into touch with the lips, cheeks, and tongue, there is usually discomfort, if not pain, when the patient first wears braces. As the patient adjusts, this sensation usually goes away within a few weeks. As a result, the doctor must take the time to explain the situation to the patient ahead of time and take suitable precautions, such as:

• To prolong the time of wearing braces, one device should be fitted once a week so that the patient can adjust gradually before moving on to the next, rather than connecting all appliances at once.
• Instruct the patient to cover the brackets with a material that decreases discomfort, such as soft wax.
• If pain medicine is required, tell the patient to take it.

What to do if a bracket or wire breaks and pokes me?

In case the orthodontic appliance accidentally pokes the lips, cheeks, you can use wet cotton to cover this appliance area to avoid direct contact of the appliance with the lip and cheek area to help reduce discomfort immediately.

Visit a dental clinic right away for an evaluation, correction, and repair.

To avoid losing any parts that fall off, retain them and bring them to the doctor. The majority of this problem can be reconstructed without having to buy a new one.

Carefully press the string in with a clean, non-sharp utensil.

What should I be aware of when eating and drinking while wearing braces in order to avoid damaging the braces?

Only eat soft foods during the first week after getting braces, such as boiling dishes, cereal, soup, milk, and so forth, to avoid damaging the braces and distorting or breaking them. This can be done until you are no longer bothered or in pain by your braces.

It should be noted that items that are hard, crunchy, or require a lot of force to bite and chew, such as popcorn, bones, and hard candy, should be avoided.

We can cut hard but nutritious fruits like apples and carrots into little pieces before consuming them.

Sugars and starchy foods should be avoided because they produce acids, which can cause tooth decay and gum disease. We should avoid chewing gum when wearing braces in particular. It can damage wires, braces, and bend braces, in addition to posing a major risk to your teeth.

Who needs braces?

When a patient's teeth and jawbone are misaligned, the dentist will usually recommend braces.

Impacted teeth: Impacted teeth are common, taking the highest rate of bite joint disorder. This is the condition of the teeth that grow out of the original position on the jaw, rise, indent or grow overlapping.

Overbite: Overbite is a condition in which the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth, either as a result of lower teeth growing slower than upper teeth, or as a result of a combination of two reasons. Extractions are frequently recommended by your doctor while addressing these conditions. Modern orthodontic procedures have reduced the average time spent wearing braces to 18-24 months, with a low rate of tooth extraction.

Underbite: The underbite is one of the most difficult dental abnormalities to treat since it affects both the appearance and function of the teeth. The cause is excessive lower tooth development, either due to slower upper tooth development or a combination of both of these factors. Normally, underbite could lead to the reverse bite (the lower incisors overlap the upper incisors) or anterior bite (the margin of the upper incisors touch the lower).

Gap teeth: Gap teeth are caused by a lack of teeth or a gap between two teeth that is too great. This issue arises when the teeth move (resulting in tooth loss) or when the teeth are abnormally tiny in comparison to the jaw bone. Gap teeth are more common in the upper teeth, especially the incisors, and are unpleasant when speaking.

Deep bite: The upper incisors overlap the lower incisors excessively. The soft tissue on the inside of the upper teeth will be damaged by the lower teeth, resulting in long-term oral health problems. Furthermore, the incisors in this posture restrict lower jaw movement, making eating and chewing difficult, and causing TMJ joint disorganization.

Open bite: This is a condition in which the teeth do not connect in the joint center when biting, causing trouble with eating, pronunciation, and wearing down the teeth as a result of the excessive effort. Bad habits such as sucking fingers and pressing the tongue might lead to an open bite.

Crossbite: Crossbite is a condition in which the teeth are not symmetrical and there is an intercostal space between the upper and lower teeth (the mismatch of the upper teeth and the lower one). Furthermore, the contact between the upper and lower teeth is not up to par, which has an impact on the force-creating process when chewing.

Snaggletooth: Snaggletooth is the factor that increases your charm while laughing, makes the opposite feel friendly and pleasant. If your snaggletooth is oblique on the jaw, causing you to lose your aesthetic, or showing up as "rabbit teeth," you should brace your teeth every day to get straight teeth, a better biting joint, bite axis, and improved oral cleanliness.

We hope that the information above has helped you answer your questions about braces. If you still have any problems that need advice, please contact Nhan Tam Dental Clinic at Hotline 1900 56 5678, experts will quickly support you.